@ blog.Reuters
As though Africa has not had enough of its share of poverty, political turmoil and struggle for prosperity, the current outbreak of Ebola in West Africa, particularly Liberia, Sierra Leon and Guinea adds another layer of complexity for the people of Africa. The World Health Organization now confirms about 4787 Ebola fatalities out of over 9936 reported cases, making it about 48% motility rate from the disease. Entire families are being exterminated by this monster. Worse of all, Ebola outbreak has now reached international proportions with the first death and first transmission being recorded in the most advance nation of the world: the USA. Since then, two nurse who cared for the first diagnosed and eventual death of Mr. Duncan have contracted the disease. It has also been reported that Dr. Craig Spencer became the third medical professional to be diagnosed with the disease on US soil. What can Africa learn from this tragic unfolding of events?
1. Medical Infrastructure
Unlike US and other developed countries, the medical infrastructure in most African countries is not robust to handle deadly outbreaks like Ebola. Up till now, basic medical equipment are still being shipped to Africa only after years of use in hospitals abroad. There must be a concerted and deliberate effort to invest in medical facilities and clinical infrastructure to better deal with diseases. Schools of technology across Africa should build labs purely dedicated to innovative solutions in the medical field.
2. Mass Health Education
Health education should also be expanded. Whereas governments and other non-profits are engaged in health education, more needs to be done in this area. As the old saying goes: “Prevention is better than cure”. Social media, classroom education, and informal community and religious gatherings like churches should be capitalized as platform to educate the population about the importance of practicing safe and hygienic lifestyle. No foreign aid can eradicate a disease if our own people do not take their health and well being into their own hands.
3. Medical Research and Science in Africa
In a stunning New York Times article written by Denise Grady, the author reveals that “Almost a decade ago, scientists from Canada and the United States reported that they had created a vaccine that was 100 percent effective in protecting monkeys against the Ebola virus”. Yet, nothing was done because pharmaceutical and drug companies did not find market potential for such a vaccine. It is sad to report that, “Most drug companies have resisted spending the enormous sums needed to develop products useful mostly to poor countries with little ability to pay for them.” the article quotes. Where are the African researchers? Where are the sharp brains on college campuses and universities in Africa? Where are the medical geniuses on the continent of Africa and in the Diaspora? It is time to assemble a medical research institute of African physicians, scientists, researchers, and academicians to lead the effort to fight diseases like Ebola. If we don’t do it, no one will! Africa is more than able. May I suggest, that even the traditional herbalists be involved in this process of finding cure for some of these diseases? Public-private-partnership with government support should also be explored.
You see, beyond the dark side of Ebola virus, Africa should capitalize on this tragedy to formulate a strategic and tactical initiatives that will heal the continent once and for all. Through building medical infrastructure, mass medical education and investment in medical research and science, Africa should defy the odds and shine like a star on the hill in the face of adversity. The Economist Magazine even suggests that Africa makes use of its extensive cell phone record to its advantage in containing and fighting the spread of the disease. Friends, inaction in not an option.
